Thai government urged to issue urgent measures toward AC

BANGKOK, November 1 (TNA) - The Thai government has been proposed to implement 11 urgent measures, as part of national preparations for the formation of the Single Community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2015. Apirak Kosayodhin, head of a subcommittee on Thailand's preparations for the ASEAN Community (AC) under the House committee on economic development, told a press conference Thursday that the proposed 11 urgent measures came out from a recent opinion survey on public and private agencies, including the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), jointly conducted by his subcommittee and the King Prajadhipok’s Institute. Among the 11 recommended measures, Apirak said, the respondents proposed that the Thai government set up an ASEAN Center under the Office of the Prime Minister to gather relevant information, support local business operators, especially those running small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and farmers who are likely to be initially affected by the AC and further develop personnel in the local tourism and the service sectors. According to the subcommittee head, the Thai government was also proposed to further develop local skilled workers in seven professions, including engineers, nurses, doctors, accountants, architects, surveyors and dentists, covering boosting their proficiency of foreign languages. Besides, the House subcommittee urged that the Thai government improve laws, streamline customs procedures and organize an ASEAN Expo to promote Southeast Asian cultures, trade and investment internationally. (TNA)